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To connect a Windows 11 PC to Wi-Fi, open the taskbar’s Network, Sound, or Battery controls, select Manage Wi-Fi connections, choose the network, and select Connect. Enter the password and select Next. If the network is missing or the connection fails, work through the checks below before resetting Windows’ network settings.
Connect to Wi-Fi from Windows 11 quick settings
- Select the taskbar’s Network, Sound, or Battery controls to open quick settings.
- On the Wi-Fi quick setting, select Manage Wi-Fi connections.
- Select the network you want to join, then select Connect.
- Enter the Wi-Fi password and select Next.
Microsoft’s instruction is straightforward: “Choose the Wi-Fi network you want, then select Connect.” Microsoft Support: Connect to a Wi-Fi network in Windows.
If the list may be out of date, select the refresh network-list button and scan again. Some camera-equipped Windows devices can also scan a Wi-Fi QR code in the Camera app; the link it opens takes you to Settings to confirm adding and connecting to the network.
Check that the PC can connect wirelessly
A Windows PC needs a wireless network adapter. Most laptops and tablets and some desktop PCs include one. To check, right-click Start, open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, and look for an adapter with “wireless” in its name. If a desktop has no wireless adapter, it cannot join Wi-Fi until one is added. Microsoft Support: Set up a wireless network.
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A typical home Wi-Fi setup uses broadband service, a modem, a wireless router, and the PC’s wireless adapter. Microsoft recommends WPA3 when both the router and PC support it; it provides stronger security than WPA2, WPA, or WEP. Microsoft Support: Wi-Fi and your home layout.
If the Wi-Fi network is missing or will not connect
Use these checks in order, starting with settings that are quick to reverse and escalating only if needed. Microsoft’s Wi-Fi connection troubleshooting guide covers these Windows 11 recovery options.
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1. Confirm Wi-Fi is enabled and Airplane mode is off
- Open the taskbar controls and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Airplane mode and confirm Airplane mode is off.
2. Refresh the list and check the signal
- Return to Manage Wi-Fi connections and refresh the available-network list.
- If the router offers both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, try the other listed band.
- Move closer to the router and check whether another laptop or phone can connect to the same network. If another device connects, the issue is more likely to be with the Windows PC.
3. Remove a stale saved network profile
If you recently changed the Wi-Fi password or Windows keeps trying old credentials, forget the saved network and join it again:
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
- Select the network and choose Forget.
- Reconnect from the available-network list and enter the current password.
4. Restart the modem and router
Restart the modem and router, then wait for their status lights to settle before reconnecting. This temporarily disconnects everyone using that network.
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5. Run Windows’ automated troubleshooter
Open the Windows 11 Get Help app and run the Network and Internet troubleshooter. It can check common connection problems and suggest next steps.
6. Run Microsoft’s network commands if needed
Microsoft documents an administrator Command Prompt sequence to reset TCP/IP, renew the IP address, and flush DNS. Follow the commands in its Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide exactly; these operations affect network configuration, so do not substitute commands or omit steps.
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7. Install Windows updates and restart
Check for available Windows updates, install them, and restart the PC before testing the connection again.
8. Use Network reset as a last resort
Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Network reset removes network adapters and their settings, then reinstalls the adapters after the PC restarts. VPN clients or Hyper-V virtual switches may need to be set up again, so use this only after trying the simpler steps. Microsoft Support: Network reset.
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For deeper diagnostics, Microsoft’s wireless network report includes results from network-related command-line scripts and a list of installed network adapters. Microsoft Support: Analyze the wireless network report.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.View a saved Wi-Fi password
On a PC already connected to the network, open Settings > Network & internet > Properties beside that Wi-Fi connection, then select Show next to Wi-Fi network password. You can also open a saved network from Manage known networks to reveal its password. Microsoft Support: Find your Wi-Fi network password in Windows.
Choose network privacy and sharing settings
Windows 11 sets a newly connected network to Public by default. Public keeps the PC hidden from other devices and is recommended for most networks. Choose Private only for a network you trust and when you need device discovery, file sharing, or printer sharing. Microsoft Support: Make a Wi-Fi network public or private.
Use a random hardware address for more privacy
Windows can use Random hardware addresses globally under Wi-Fi settings or for an individual saved network. This changes the physical MAC address presented while the PC scans for and connects to networks, which can make tracking more difficult. Microsoft Support: Use random hardware addresses in Windows.
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